Some of the most common custody schedules in Washington State can see separated parents alternating custody of their children on a two/two/three schedule, two/two/five schedule, week on week off schedule, all of these being 50/50 schedules. Other schedules have one parent as primary and the other parent with every other weekend and mid-week time in the off week. There are many schedules to consider depending on the age of your children and the specifics of your circumstances. You have the chance to discuss which of these schedules might work best for your family as you pursue your legal separation or divorce.
An experienced child custody lawyer in Seattle can help you consider your child’s needs and wishes when establishing your custody agreement with your ex-partner. Our support makes conversations about childcare simpler, even in the wake of high-conflict separations.
You can book a case consultation with our team today to learn more about the most common custody schedules. Discover what steps you can take to ensure that your child maintains the best possible relationship with both of their parents.
Two/Two/Three Custody Schedules
A two/two/three custody schedule allows separated or divorced parents to take equal responsibility for a child’s care. A child may spend two back-to-back days with one parent, then move to the other parent’s house for another two days. The child can then spend the following three days with the first parent.
For example, this common custody schedule can play out as follows:
- A child spends Monday and Tuesday with you.
- A child spends Wednesday and Thursday with their other parent.
- A child spends Friday, Saturday, and Sunday with you.
- The pattern continues, with the child spending Monday and Tuesday with their other parent.
The two/two/three schedule sees parents functionally swap weekend custody of their child and is consistent throughout the year. This is an ideal custody schedule for parents who still live in the same town, and it ensures that a child or children can remain in consistent contact with both parents. However, the fixed schedule may impact each parent’s personal plans.
Two/Two/Five Custody Schedules
Comparatively, the two/two/five custody schedule sees children spend more time apart from one parent during each schedule phase. This common custody schedule may play out as follows:
- The child spends Monday and Tuesday with you.
- The child spends Wednesday and Thursday with their other parent.
- The child spends the following Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday with you.
- The child spends the next Wednesday and Thursday with their other parent.
- The child spends the next Friday and Saturday with you.
- The child spends the following Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday with their other parent.
While this schedule still allows a child to spend equal amounts of time with both their parents, there will be more time between the child’s visits. This can prove ideal for parents who live further apart from one another or parents who want to plan for weekends away.
However, this schedule isn’t always ideal for younger children or children who need consistency in their schedules, ensuring that they can attend school events or extracurricular activities.
Week on Week Off
If you want a simpler co-parenting schedule, you can agree to swap custody weeks with an ex-partner. This means that you may have a child Monday through Sunday, then send your child to live with their other parent for another Monday through Sunday.
This is one of the most accessible custody schedules, but it does keep a child away from one parent for a considerable amount of time. The distance between you and an ex-spouse may also impact a child’s schooling, extracurriculars, and other activities or availability.
Long-Distance Custody Arrangements
Ex-partners who live in different states or with a considerable amount of distance between them may need to consider customized arrangements instead of some of the most common custody schedules.
Conversations overseen by experienced family lawyers in Seattle can ensure that these arrangements treat both parents fairly while also accounting for holidays and school breaks.
Choosing a Custody Schedule That Puts Your Children First
When it comes time to think about what custody schedule you want with an ex-spouse, you have to consider what your child or children want from their arrangement. The age of a child or children involved in divorce proceedings can change what custody schedule might suit them best, as may any extracurricular activities they have.
Working with an experienced child custody lawyer in Seattle can make it easier to determine which of the most common custody schedules will best suit your family while complying with the other legal aspects that might impact custody.
Our legal team can walk you through your options while keeping your children’s needs and any limitations placed on parental custody in mind. You can book a case consultation with our team today to discuss your specific circumstances and how you want a custody arrangement to play out.
We Can Discuss Which Custody Schedule Suits Your Family Best
When you start undergoing separation or divorce proceedings, you may find yourself wondering what the most common custody schedules are and which might suit your family best. Working with a Seattle, WA, child custody lawyer makes it easier to weigh these schedules against one another and find one that meets your and your children’s needs.
At Dellino Family Law, our legal team has 180 years of combined experience helping families navigate complicated conversations about custody. We can break down the most common custody schedules and parenting plans on your behalf, compare them against your goals and lifestyle, and make sure you find one that benefits you and your children.
We understand that you are going through some of the most challenging days of your life, and so are your children. It is our hope that our understanding of family law and child custody arrangements can make it easier for you to forge the new life that you deserve.
